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First Ascent Podcast

First Ascent Podcast

By: Jay & Lee
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About this listen

Jay and Lee have been friends for 20 years, and they've been chatting about climbing pretty much the whole time, be it in person, via text, or on social media. Now they take their witty conversation to the next frontier: a podcast. Join them as they discuss current events and trends in climbing, their recent climbing adventures, and whatever else that comes up. It's basically like crag spray, but recorded!

© 2025 First Ascent Podcast
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Episodes
  • Jay Knower is in the Hot Seat (with Guest Host Jim Lawyer)
    May 28 2025

    Oh how the tables have turned! Jim Lawyer takes the interviewer’s mic and turns the spotlight onto Jay in an interview that will give you more insight into our host than ever before.


    You’ll learn about how Jay became obsessed with climbing, what brought him to New Hampshire, the first ascent he felt was worth ‘risking a friendship over’, the number one thing he’d like to change about climbing culture, and even his feelings about being a rare and shunned ‘gates in’ climber.


    First Ascent is going into summer mode! Starting now, we’ll begin releasing episodes every other week to more fully enjoy the best part of the climbing season.


    If you’re craving more First Ascent during that time, join the First Ascent Patreon! For $5, $7 or $10 a month, you’ll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and an ever growing library of Jay’s musings. Plus you’ll get exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here: https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcast


    Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay can be found at @jayknower.




    Disclaimer:

    The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.


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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • The Best of Lee Hansche
    May 21 2025

    Today at First Ascent we honor the incredible Lee Hansche on the one year anniversary of his passing. So many of us are missing Lee today, so we have compiled a highlight reel featuring some of Lee’s best moments from the 96 episodes that he co-hosted on The First Ascent Podcast. You’ll hear clips that reflect Lee’s wisdom, humor, relationships, love of life, and even his fashion sense.


    We miss you, Lee!



    Disclaimer:


    The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.

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    39 mins
  • Challenging the Norms of Aging: The Importance of Doing Hard Things
    May 14 2025

    Today Jay is joined by his mom Susan and his sister Suzanne to discuss Susan’s recent backpacking trip to Torres del Paine and Mt. Fitz Roy in Patagonia, and how challenging treks like this are central to her approach to aging.


    You’ll hear about:


    • Why at 72 years old Susan chose to take the ‘Challenging’ trip as opposed to the ‘comfort trip’
    • The pros and cons Susan has experienced as she’s continued to push your body despite age
    • What Susan has gained from a life of challenging herself physically
    • The mental game of staying at your top possible performance as you age



    Join us over on the First Ascent Patreon. For $5, $7 or $10 a month, you’ll get access to wide ranging bonus content from greats like Mark Hudon, Scott Stevenson and many more. Plus you’ll get a Discord chat, exclusive beta, route info, and more. Check it out here: https://www.patreon.com/FirstAscentPodcast


    Do you have a listener question or a topic idea? Let us know at @firstascentpod on Instagram! Jay can be found at @jayknower.




    Disclaimer:

    The information expressed in this episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not intended as, nor should it be interpreted as, informational or instructional.


    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
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